Summer Camps: Music

April 24, 2012

• JULY 15-20: This is a camp for students entering grades 7-12 who have studied piano for at least three years. Joining ETSU music faculty will be master clinician Dr. Rajung Yang, assistant professor of piano at the University of Idaho Lionel Hampton School of Music. Classes will include individual and small group private lessons; master classes in solo repertoire; ensemble playing; theory; literature; supervised practice sessions; and a secondary focus on harpsichord study.

Students will have the opportunity to perform in solo and ensemble recitals. ETSU and guest artist faculty will present a series of recitals, featuring chamber, solo, and harpsichord music. $340 for commuters, $485 for residential (includes meals; private lessons extra). Partial tuition scholarships are available.

The piano camp began in 2005 as a day camp for middle and high school piano students in the Tri-Cities region. In 2011 it became a nationally recognized residential and commuter camp. The curriculum also offers a secondary focus which, in the past, included organ, chamber music, jazz, and electronic music. This summer the focus is on harpsichord.

Program director Jerilyn Paolini notes, "Another highlight is the opportunity for students to practice and perform on the new Steinway pianos recently acquired by ETSU, one of only 135 schools in the country that have the official all-Steinway school designation."

• JUNE 25-29: The Music Department at King College will present a Choral Arts Camp for students entering grades 4-12. The week-long camp will be held in Memorial Chapel from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Campers will attend choral rehearsals, movement/folk dancing, and musicianship and instrumental ensemble classes, plus afternoon performances by local talent. The camp will conclude with a pizza party and a concert showcasing their talents. $125. Deadline to register: May 18.

Instilling the love of music into children's hearts and minds is the passion of directors Shea Clay, Jane Morison, and Valerie Pickard, all of whom are also involved with Kodaly. Clay says, "As far as I know, we are the only choral arts camp based on the Kodaly philosophy/methodology. We believe every child should be involved in music; therefore, we strive to make it as affordable as possible. We want our campers to enjoy music for music's sake. Our goal is not to have a perfect performance, but to ensure they have a positive experience they will carry with them for a lifetime. We also provide a variety of musical activities in the space of a week that they may not have the opportunity to experience otherwise."

• JULY 23-27: This commuter school is dedicated to the preservation and continuation of Appalachian music and culture, offering "ear training" in beginning old-time fiddle, clawhammer banjo, folk guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, and autoharp. Students are treated to class visits and afternoon concerts by master musicians. A string-band class will be offered for intermediate/advanced musicians. The faculty includes well-known local musicians Todd Meade, Ron Short, Steve Souther, Audie Ratliff, Oscar Harris, Chris Rose, Julie Shepherd, Cori Brown, Ron Kennedy, and others. The school enrolls adults and youth (age 10 and older). Summer camp will be held Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., concluding with a student concert. A limited number of instruments will be loaned to students. $150 (scholarships available).

• JUNE 11-22 and JUNE 25-JULY 6: Two Summer Piano Intensives will be offered for students ages 12-18 who have completed three or more years of private piano study. Taught by pianist Zane Myers, each two-week session includes 10 daily one-hour private lessons Monday-Friday with an associated two-hour at-home practice and theory assignment. Areas of focus: improving self-directed practice methods, piano technique (scales, arpeggios), sight-reading, form and analysis, and theory. The intensives follow a conservatory immersion model allowing students the opportunity to integrate a conceptual understanding of composition, musical form and theory with effective practice methodologies. Students learn to craft and manage a long-range practice plan, enhance sight-reading skills, and bolster their abilities to sustain daily regimens of planned practice. Final registration date: June 4. $300 each session.

• JUNE 12-15: Experience Appalachian music and heritage — stay in primitive bunk houses on the property or "camp" nearby — while receiving intensive instruction. Renowned professional instructors will include Paul Anastasio, Matt Cobs, Shane Cook, Brandon Davis, Kyle Dean, Brian Grim, and Stanley Widener. They offer various styles such as old time, bluegrass, Irish, Scottish, jazz and swing. All ages and levels of experience welcome. Limit 30 students. $150 includes three meals daily.

• JUNE 15-23: According to director Nan Freeman, this program is open not only to Virginia students, but anyone from anywhere wishing to further their studies with master teachers. Participants have attended from as far away as Japan and Dubai. This summer camp began in Tennessee in 1972 as the Mid-Southeast Suzuki Institute at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. It has evolved through several different directors and venues, including Virginia Intermont College in Bristol. Currently held at Emory & Henry College, the program boasts world-renowned teachers. Campers from Virginia and nearby states range from age 3 to adults (students under 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). In addition to students who play instruments using the Suzuki Method, the camp offers a chamber music component for advanced string students. Fees vary depending upon level, electives, age, etc. Partial scholarships available.